Abstract
Mental health disorders are more prevalent among incarcerated people than in the general population, while the difficulties experienced by inmates in gaining access to mental health services often make their care and treatment inadequate. To systematically review the use of video-teleconferencing (VTC) and telepsychiatry in forensic settings and its application within the criminal justice system. The electronic bibliographic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychINFO and Google Scholar were searched using a systematic approach from January 1998 until September 2021 to identify papers on the use of VTC and telepsychiatry in forensic settings and within the criminal justice system. A total of 1303 articles were identified, after screening 27 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies identified strengths and weaknesses of the use of telepsychiatry in forensic settings and criminal justice system. Telepsychiatry in forensic settings and the criminal justice system is associated with more benefits than limitations. Strengths identified include access to specialized services, flexibility in rescheduling meetings, security and safety among all parties involved, acceptance and user satisfaction, as well as efficiency and effectiveness of services provided, cost and time savings, and the absence of risks for infection spread in correctional settings. Weaknesses identified include the reluctance of professionals to provide remote consultations, the quality of the therapeutic relationship established, restrictions on its use by special patient groups, as well as issues underlying its implementation such as the legal framework, ethical issues and the civil or criminal responsibility of health attitudes. Overall, there is evidence to support its use and acceptance within forensic settings and the criminal justice system and our review highlights its benefits and limitations.